Systems and devices for emitting volatile compositions

ABSTRACT

Methods and devices for emitting volatile materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, methods and devices for emitting two or more fragrance compositions are disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment of a device, the device has a housing, and the housing is supported on an electrical outlet by a plug at least indirectly joined to the housing. The device contains a first volatile composition and a second volatile composition. The first volatile composition is emitted in an alternating period relative to said second volatile composition. In one embodiment of the method, the volatile compositions are alternately emitted during periods that are greater than 15 minutes and less than 2 hours.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/124,962, filed May 9, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/417,456, filed Apr. 16, 2003, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/904,019,filed Jul. 12, 2001, which claims the benefit of the filing dates of,and is a continuation-in-part of: PCT application Ser. No. US00/20499,filed Jul. 27, 2000, and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/730,226;09/730,261; and 09/730,333, all filed Dec. 5, 2000, the disclosures ofwhich are all incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and devices for emittingvolatile compositions. In some embodiments, the invention relates to amethod and devices for emitting two or more distinct volatilecompositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is generally known to use an electrical device to evaporate a perfumeand/or fragrance composition into a space, particularly a domesticspace, e.g., a living room, to provide a pleasant aroma. There are avariety of such devices on sale, for example the AIRWICK® DiffuserACTIF® (manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser) or the AMBI-PUR® fragrancediffuser (manufactured by Sara Lee). Generally, these devices consist ofa perfume or fragrance source, an electrical heater and a power supply.By the application of heat to the perfume or fragrance source, therewill be a continuous supply of the perfume or fragrance to the space inwhich the device is placed.

The problem with this arrangement is that a person occupying the spacewill quickly become accustomed to the perfume or fragrance and, after awhile, will not perceive the fragrance strength as being as intense andmay not notice it at all. This is a well-known phenomenon calledhabituation. A solution to this problem has been sought.

One effort to deal with this problem is described in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. US 2002/0159916 A1, Whitby, et al. TheWhitby, et al. patent application discloses a method and device adaptedto provide to a space, two or more fragrance compositions, at least oneof which fragrance compositions is provided periodically. The method anddevice may provide a continuous supply of a first fragrance compositionand a periodic supply of a second fragrance composition. The fragrancecomposition(s) may be vaporized by heating and may include deodorantand/or insecticidal compounds. The fragrance compositions are preferablychosen such that the two fragrance compositions contrast with oneanother or have different notes. The fragrance composition is generallypulsed from a device which includes a heater. The periodic supply ofheat to release the fragrance composition is controlled by providing thedevice, and particularly the heater, with a controller. The controlleris in the form of an electronic circuit. The controller is arranged suchthat the heater runs for a short period of time, preferably from 15seconds to 15 minutes with “appropriate intervals of time therebetween”.

The Whitby, et al. patent application, however, appears to be directedprimarily to maintaining or sustaining the olfactory impact of thefragrance composition being emitted continuously, rather than toproviding to the user noticeable changes in fragrances. In addition,although the Whitby, et al. patent application mentions periodic supplyof two or more fragrances, there is no specific teaching of emissionpatterns or programs dictating the supply of the different fragrancesrelative to each other so that the users actually experience distinctfragrances rather than one fragrance which is a blend of the twocompositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and devices for emittingvolatile compositions. In some embodiments, the invention relates to amethod and devices for emitting two or more fragrance compositions.There are numerous embodiments of the methods and devices describedherein, all of which are intended to be non-limiting examples.

In some embodiments of the method, it may be desirable for those whoeither experience the emission of the fragrance composition(s), or whoare in the presence of the device(s) emitting fragrance composition(s),to experience and/or perceive a pleasant scent all of the time. In othercases, this may not be all of the time, but all of the time that suchpersons wish to perceive a fragrance. In some embodiments in which themethod is used to emit two or more fragrance compositions, it may bedesirable to maximize the perceptibility of each of two or more separateand distinct fragrance compositions. Thus, the method can do more thanmerely prevent habituation to a given fragrance composition. In suchembodiments, therefore, it may be desirable for the time for emission ofthe fragrances not to change too quickly, otherwise, there will not be aperception of two different fragrances, but rather a blended scent. Inother embodiments, however, it may also be desirable to provide ablended scent experience, for at least a period of time.

In one embodiment of the method, the volatile compositions arealternately emitted during discrete emission periods that are greaterthan 15 minutes and less than or equal to 24 hours. The device canautomatically switch to alternate the volatile composition beingemitted. In other embodiments, the device may emit volatile compositionsfor periods less than or equal to 15 minutes; or it may emit volatilecompositions for periods greater than 24 hours (e.g., 48 hours).Numerous other embodiments are possible.

The method can utilize one or more devices. In one embodiment that emitsfragrance composition(s), a single device is used that is a dual scented“plug-in” that switches back and forth between two (or more) scents.This embodiment of the device has a housing, and the housing issupported on an electrical outlet by a plug at least indirectly joinedto the housing. The device contains a first volatile composition and asecond volatile composition. The first volatile composition is emittedin an alternating period relative to said second volatile composition.Numerous other types of devices are possible. For example, in otherembodiments, the method described herein can be carried out by two ormore dispensing devices. Such dispensing devices comprise any type ofdispensing device, including, but not limited to aerosol sprayers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the presentinvention will be better understood from the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram that shows one non-limiting embodiment of anemission program for emitting two volatile compositions.

FIG. 2 is a diagram that shows one non-limiting embodiment of anemission program for emitting three (or more) volatile compositions.

FIG. 3 is a diagram that shows one non-limiting embodiment of anemission program for emitting two (or more) volatile compositions wherethere is a gap between the emissions of the volatile compositions.

FIG. 4 is a diagram that shows one non-limiting embodiment of anemission program for emitting two (or more) volatile compositions wherethere is an overlap of the emissions of the volatile compositions.

FIG. 5 is a diagram that shows one non-limiting embodiment of anemission program for emitting three (or more) volatile compositionswhere there is an overlap of the emissions of one volatile compositionwith the emission of two other volatile compositions.

FIG. 6 is a partially fragmented schematic front view showing onenon-limiting embodiment of a device for emitting volatile compositions.

FIG. 7 is a partially fragmented schematic side view of the device shownin FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the device shown in FIG. 6, showingthe same adjacent to the cover plate of an electrical outlet.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board that can be usedto control the device shown in FIGS. 6-8, along with the heaters andplug that are attached thereto.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of the circuit shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows two aerosol devices that operate on timers.

FIG. 12 shows a single device comprising two aerosol containers thatoperate on timers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and devices for emittingvolatile compositions. In some embodiments, the invention relates tomethods and devices for emitting two or more volatile compositions.There are numerous embodiments of the methods and devices describedherein, all of which are intended to be non-limiting examples.

The methods for emitting volatile compositions can comprise a variety ofdifferent embodiments. The two or more volatile compositions can befragrance compositions, compositions that function as insecticides, airfresheners, deodorants, aromacology, aromatherapy, insecticides, or anyother material that acts to condition, modify, or otherwise charge theatmosphere or to modify the environment. The two or more volatilematerials emitted in a given embodiment of the method can be the sametype of material (e.g., two or more fragrance compositions), or they canbe different types of materials (e.g., fragrance compositions and airfresheners). Deodorants, or malodor control compositions may comprise amaterial selected from the group consisting of: odor neutralizingmaterials, odor blocking materials, odor masking materials, andcombinations thereof. The methods can emit the volatile compositions ina sequence in which the emission of the different volatile compositionsautomatically alternates between the different volatile compositions.

The volatile compositions can be emitted in any suitable sequence. Thesequence of emission of the volatile compositions can be in a pattern,or it can be random. The term “pattern”, as used herein, refers torepeating sequences. In embodiments where the sequence of emission ofthe different volatile compositions is repeatable, the pattern can berepeated once, or any number of times after the initial sequence. Theterm “random”, as used herein, refers to sequences in which the sequenceof emission of the volatile compositions does not repeat in a regularfashion. It is also possible for an emission sequence to comprise aportion of time where the sequence is in a pattern, and a portion oftime in which the sequence is random.

In some embodiments, two or more volatile compositions are emitted in analternating sequence. For example, there can be a first volatilecomposition and a second volatile composition, and the first volatilecomposition is emitted in an alternating period relative to said secondvolatile composition. Thus, if the first volatile composition isdesignated “1”, and the second volatile composition is designated “2”,the volatile compositions can be emitted in an alternating pattern asfollows: 1, 2, 1, 2, . . . , etc. FIG. 1 shows such an emission programschematically. In FIG. 1, the diagram represents the periods duringwhich that the volatile compositions are being subjected to a source ofenergy (or “activated”) (for example, if they are in a device which hasa heater that heats the compositions, the diagram can designate theperiods of time that during which the heaters are on and off). If thereare three volatile compositions, they can be emitted in an alternatingpattern as follows: 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, . . . , etc. as shown in FIG. 2.

In viewing these figures (and the diagrams which follow), it should beunderstood that these are non-limiting embodiments. In otherembodiments, there need not be a separate volatilization source (such asa heater) for each volatile composition. There can be any suitablenumber of volatilization sources for the volatile compositions. Forexample, a single volatilization source can be used to volatilize morethan one volatile composition. Such a volatilization source could, forexample, be capable of moving to volatilize the different volatilecompositions, or it can be capable of selectively directing energy(e.g., heat) to the different volatile compositions (such as by openingand closing a door or gate between the volatilization source and a givenvolatile composition). Alternatively, containers can be movable relativeto the volatilization source (so that the containers can be selectivelymoved over a heater, for example).

The term “interval”, as used herein, refer to the shortest period oftime in the emission sequence. The term “discrete emission period”, asused herein, refer to the individual time period that a given volatilematerial (or combination of volatile materials) is emitted in theemission sequence. This may correspond generally to the period of timethat a heater, for example, is turned on for a given volatile materialor combination of volatile materials (though there may be a slight lagbetween the operation of a heater and the emission of a volatilematerial). The discrete emission periods can also be referred to hereinas a first time period, a second time period, etc. (each of which has abeginning and an end). It should be understood that it is not necessarythat the different volatile compositions be emitted for equal timeperiods. For example, after one volatile composition is emitted, adifferent volatile composition can be emitted for a shorter, oralternatively, a longer time period. In another example, the after onevolatile composition is emitted, it can be followed by another intervalof the same volatile composition before a different volatile compositionis emitted. In cases where the different volatile compositions are notemitted for equal time periods, it may be desirable to provide a greateramount of the compositions that are emitted for a longer cumulative timeperiod so that the volatile compositions will be depleted at about thesame time. There are numerous possible alternating emission sequences.In the case of three volatile compositions, non-limiting examples ofsome other possible patterns of emission include, but are not limitedto: (1, 2, 2, 1, 3, 3); (1, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1); and (1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 3,3, 3, 3, 1).

In some embodiments of the method, the volatile compositions can beemitted during a discrete emission period that is less than or equal toabout 15 minutes, but it may be more desirable for each emission periodto be longer than 15 minutes. In the case of scented materials, longertime periods may be more desirable. In one embodiment of the method, thevolatile compositions are alternately emitted during discrete periodsthat are each greater than 15 minutes and less than or equal to about 12hours, or less than or equal to about 24 hours, or less than or equal toabout 48 hours, or more. Every numerical range given throughout thisspecification will include every narrower numerical range that fallswithin such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numericalranges were all expressly written herein. Thus, in another non-limitingembodiment, the volatile compositions are alternately emitted duringperiods that are greater than 15 minutes, or greater than or equal toabout 1 hour, and less than 2 hours. In one embodiment, each volatilecomposition is emitted for a period of about 72 minutes.

The volatile compositions may be emitted so that one immediately followsthe end of the emission period of the other. In other embodiments, thevolatile compositions can be emitted so that there is a gap between theend of the emission period of one of the volatile compositions, and thebeginning of the emission period of another volatile composition. FIG. 3is a diagram that shows one non-limiting embodiment of an emissionprogram for emitting two volatile compositions where there is a gapbetween the emissions of the volatile compositions where “g” designatesa gap. In other embodiments, the volatile compositions can be emitted sothat there is an overlap in the emission periods of two, or morevolatile compositions. FIG. 4 is a diagram that shows one non-limitingembodiment of an emission program for emitting two volatile compositionswhere there is an overlap of the emissions of the volatile compositionswhere the symbol “&” designates an emission period where both volatilecompositions are being emitted. FIG. 5 shows one non-limiting embodimentof an emission program for emitting three (or more) volatilecompositions where there is an overlap of the emissions of one volatilecomposition with the emission of two other volatile compositions. Inother embodiments, it is possible for one or more of the volatilecompositions to be emitted continuously, and another volatilecomposition to be emitted for periods of time that are greater than 15minutes.

If it is desirable to have a gap between the end of the emission periodof one of the volatile materials, and the beginning of the emissionperiod of another volatile material, the gap can be of any suitableduration. Suitable durations include, but are not limited any periodsthat are less than or equal to about 30 minutes. However, it is alsopossible to have gap periods of greater than 30 minutes. If it isdesirable to have an overlap in the emission periods of two, or morevolatile materials, the overlap can be of any suitable duration. Theemission period of a subsequently emitted volatile material may overlapfrom greater than 0% up to 100% of the time a first volatile material isbeing emitted. In certain embodiments, for example, it may be desirablefor there to be an overlap of about 25% between different volatilematerials. For instance, instead of scent “A” being emitted for 60minutes, followed by scent “B” being emitted for 60 minutes: scent “A”can be emitted for 45 minutes; this can be followed by the emission ofboth scents “A” and “B” for 30 minutes; and this followed by scent “B”for 45 minutes. In this case, 30 minutes is 25% of the total time of theemission of scents “A” and “B” and the combination thereof (or 120minutes).

The gap or overlap periods can be controlled automatically. In certainembodiments of the article(s) or device(s) used to emit the volatilematerials, the article(s) or device(s) can be provided with controls toallow the user to control the duration of any gap and/or overlap inemission periods. Overlapping sequences may be used when it is desirableto have the user smell the blended scent for some period as well asdistinct scents during other periods.

In certain embodiments, it is desirable for the method to be carried outby article(s) and/or device(s) that are flameless (e.g., not candles).In certain embodiments, it may also be desirable for the method to becarried out independently of other media (such other media may include,but is not limited to: movies, television, etc.). In other embodiments,it may be desirable to carry out the method in a coordinated fashionwith other media.

There can be any suitable emission program or scheme for emitting thevolatile compositions. In certain embodiments where scented materialsare being emitted, it is desirable for the device to provide analternating scent experience, rather than a sustained impression of asingle scent. In one embodiment, it may be desirable to provide aday/night emission program where one scent is provided for waking aperson, and another scent is provided for the period of time duringwhich they are trying to go to sleep. Thus, in some embodiments, it maybe desirable to deliver the same scent at the same time every day. Inother embodiments, it may be desirable to avoid a routine scentexperience. For example, it may be desirable for the emission pattern tonot be synchronized over a 24 hour period, so that the user has adifferent scent experience at a given time during the day or night foreach 24 hour period. Numerous other embodiments are possible.

The total emission program (or simply “the emission program”) refers tothe entire sequence of the discrete emission periods from beginning toend. In certain embodiments, it is desirable for the emission program tobe continuous. The term “continuous”, as used in reference to theemission program, means that there is a planned emission sequence overan entire period, once the program is initiated. This emission programcan include periods, as noted above, where there are gaps in emission.This will still be considered to be a continuous emission program,although there will not necessarily be continuous emission of volatilecompositions. It should be understood, however, that it is possible forthe emission program to be interruptible by the user (e.g., turned off),if desired. Thus, the method can provide a user interface, and the userinterface can provide a user with the ability to interrupt emissionprogram. In certain embodiments, the emission program may be designed torun continuously, or substantially continuously until at least one ofthe volatile compositions is substantially depleted. In certainembodiments, it is desirable for the emission program to runcontinuously until all of the volatile compositions are substantiallydepleted, and for this to occur at approximately the same time. Theemission program can be of any suitable length, including but notlimited to 30 days, 60 days, or shorter or longer periods, or any periodbetween 30 to 60 days.

FIGS. 6-8 show one non-limiting embodiment of a device 20 for emittingvolatile compositions according to the methods described above. Thedevice can have a pre-selected emission program which is alreadyprogrammed when a consumer buys the device, or the device can beprovided with a selection of several emission programs and the consumercan select between these programs. In these or other embodiments, thedevice 20 can use technology similar to the “random play” technologyused in compact disc (CD) players to randomly alternate betweendifferent volatile materials.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the device 20 comprises a housing 22, and thehousing 22 is supported on an electrical outlet 24 by a plug 26 that isat least indirectly joined to the housing 22. The device 20 furthercomprises at least one container. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8,the device 20 comprises two containers 28 and 30. The containers 28 and30 contain at least a first volatile composition 32 and a secondvolatile composition 34. The housing 22 may serve as a holder for thecontainers 28 and 30 and any of the other components of the devicedescribed below.

The containers 28 and 30 can comprise any suitable type of container,and can be made of any suitable material. Suitable materials for thecontainers include, but are not limited to glass and plastic. Thecontainers 28 and 30 can comprise any type of container that is suitablefor holding volatile materials. The containers 28 and 30 may be part ofthe housing 22, or they may be separate components that are removablyjoined to a portion of the device 20 such as the housing 22. It is alsopossible for a single container to hold more than one type of volatilematerial. Such a container could, for instance, have two or morecompartments for volatile materials. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.6-8, the containers 28 and 30 comprise two separate bottles.

The bottles comprising containers 28 and 30 in FIGS. 6-8 containvolatile compositions in the form of scented perfume oils. The bottlesfurther comprise a seal 36 for containing the volatile material, and awick 38 for dispensing the volatile material. The device 20 and/or thebottles 28 and 30 may further comprise an additional seal for coveringthe wick 38 of one or more of the volatile materials when the volatilematerial is not being emitted.

The term “volatile compositions” as used herein, refers to a material ora discrete unit comprised of one or more materials that is vaporizable,or comprises a material that is vaporizable. The term “volatilecompositions”, thus, includes (but is not limited to) compositions thatare comprised entirely of a single volatile material. The terms“volatile materials”, “aroma”, and “scents”, as used herein, include,but are not limited to pleasant or savory smells, and, thus, alsoencompass materials that function as insecticides, air fresheners,deodorants, aromacology, aromatherapy, insecticides, or any othermaterial that acts to condition, modify, or otherwise charge theatmosphere or to modify the environment. It should be understood thatcertain volatile compositions including, but not limited to perfumes,aromatic materials, and scented materials, will often be comprised ofone or more volatile materials (which may form a unique and/or discreteunit comprised of a collection of volatile materials). It should beunderstood that the term “volatile composition” refers to compositionsthat have at least one volatile component, and it is not necessary forall of the component materials of the volatile composition to bevolatile. The volatile compositions described herein may, thus, alsohave non-volatile components. It should also be understood that when thevolatile compositions are described herein as being “emitted”, thisrefers to the volatilization of the volatile components thereof, anddoes not require that the non-volatile components thereof be emitted.The volatile compositions of interest herein can be in any suitable formincluding, but not limited to: solids, liquids, gels, encapsulates,wicks, and carrier materials, such as porous materials impregnated withor containing the volatile material, and combinations thereof.

In the case of scented materials or fragrances, the different scentedmaterials can be similar, related, complementary, or contrasting. It maynot be desirable, however, for the scented materials to be too similarif the different scented materials are being used in an attempt to avoidthe problem of scent habituation, otherwise, the people experiencing thescents may not notice that a different scent is being emitted. Thedifferent scents can be related to each other by a common theme, or insome other manner. For example, the different scents can all be floral,fruit scents, etc. An example of scents that are different, butcomplementary might be a vanilla scent and a French vanilla scent.

The present invention also comprises a method of providing choices ofcompatible volatile compositions, such as fragrance compositions, toconsumers. In one embodiment, such a method comprises providingfragrance compositions for use in one or more emitting devices. Morespecifically, in one embodiment, the method can comprise providing aconsumer with a selection of two or more fragrance compositions incontainers that are configured for use in one or more emitting devices;and providing some type of indicia to inform a consumer which of the twoor more fragrance compositions are compatible for use together. In otherembodiments, containers can serve as the emitting devices (e.g., plug-indevices, aerosol cans, etc.). In certain embodiments, the method canpre-select for consumers two or more fragrance compositions that arecomplementary, yet discernably different. In other alternativeembodiments, the method can comprise selling such different volatilecompositions together, such as in bundle packs of (two, three, or more)volatile compositions. Any of the foregoing embodiments may be used insupplying consumers with their initial product(s), as well as withrefills for the same. In certain embodiments, the method may comprisesupplying consumers with types of volatile compositions other than, orin addition to, fragrance compositions (for example, a fragrancecomposition and a malodor reducing composition).

The embodiment of the device 20 shown in FIGS. 6-8 further comprises amechanism for activating the volatile materials from their “resting”state to an activated state. Such a component may include, but is notlimited to a component that volatilizes or heats the volatile materials.The device 20 may also contain a component, such as a fan, for diffusingor transporting the volatile materials into the environment oratmosphere. In various embodiments, the device 20 may comprise a heater,a fan, or both, or some other type of mechanism.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, the device 20 comprises at leastone heating system or heater, such as heaters 40 and 42. The heaters 40and 42 can comprise any suitable type of heater, and can be located inany suitable location in or relative to the device 20. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 6-8, the heaters 40 and 42 comprise heating elements thatare in the form of circular rings that at least partially surround thewicks 38 protruding from the bottles of the volatile compositions.

The device 20 shown in FIGS. 6-8 further comprises a switching mechanism50 that changes the volatile material being emitted by the device 20.The switching mechanism 50 can comprise any suitable type of mechanismthat causes the device to change the volatile material being emitted. Inthe embodiment shown, the switching mechanism controls the activation ofthe heaters so that the heater will be turned on for the volatilematerial which is desired to be emitted. Suitable switching mechanismsinclude, but are not limited to: analog timing circuitry, digitalcircuitry, combinations of analog and digital circuitry,microprocessors, and mechanical actuation switches such as shape memoryalloys (NiTi wire) or bimetallic switches.

As shown in FIG. 9, in one non-limiting embodiment, the switchingmechanism 50 comprises a combination analog and digital circuit in theform of a printed circuit board (or “PCB”). The circuit comprises: asingle sided PC board 52; a capacitor designated C1; a pair of diodes D1and D2; three transistors Q1, Q2, and Q3; five resistors R1-R5; threecounters U1, U2, and U3; a third diode Z1. Any suitable type of heatercan be used for heaters 40 and 42, including but not limited toresistance heaters (several types of which are commercially available).The heaters 40 and 42, as well as the wall power plug 26, are alsoconnected to the circuit board 52 by wires 66. Suitable components forcircuit are set out in the following table:

TABLE 1 Reference Number or Letter Component Properties C1 Capacitor, 1microF, 250 V Electrolytic D1, D2 Diode 1N4004, or similar 26 Wall powerplug Q1, Q2, Q3 Transistors, NPN NPN 200 V, 200 mA R1-R5 Resistors ⅛watt U1, U2, U3 Counters CD4024, or similar Z1 Diode, Zener, 11 V1N4741A, or similar

The components of the circuit may be through-hole or surface mounted. Inthe embodiment shown, a 38×66 mm single sided PC board 52 withthrough-hole components is used. The material comprising the PC board 52can be a standard material such as FR-4 epoxy base fiberglass, but anyUL approved material is acceptable. The wall power plug 26 is a moldedwall plug with approximately 100 mm pigtails into the PC board. FIG. 10is a schematic of the circuit. This circuit provides a timing functionthat alternates current between two paths over a time period of severaltens of hours, with a pre-selected time for each heater to be turned onand off.

In other embodiments, the switching mechanism may include, but is notlimited to the following alternative types of switching mechanisms: (1)a magnetic sensor with a pickup that counts the number of rotations ofthe motor of a fan used to disperse the volatile composition(s) suchthat after a certain number of rotations, the device will switch fromone volatile composition to another; and (2) a device comprising dualshape memory alloys, or bimetallic strips or switches that can completea circuit at ambient temperature and then cut-off when a certaintemperature is reached. The two-way effect can be used since as thetemperature lowers, the material can complete the circuit again, thusacting as a thermostat to keep the heater on and then turn it off. Theshape memory alloy may serve as the heater as well as the pulsegenerator.

The device 20 can comprise a number of additional optional features. Thedevice can be provided with indicators so that a person is further madeaware that the volatile material being emitted has changed. Suchindicators can be visual and/or audible. For example, in the case ofscented materials, such an indicator may allow a person to see whichscent is being emitted at a given time. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.6-8, the indicators are in the form of lights 70 and 72. In anotherexample, at least a portion of the device 20 (such as all or a portionof the housing) or the containers may be made of a type of plastic thatchanges color when heated.

The device can be provided with additional user controls. The device cancomprise an “on/off” switch to allow a user to turn the device on andoff without removing it from the electrical socket. The device can beprovided with a control that allows the user to control the emissionperiod of the volatile materials, and/or the time between the emissionof the different volatile materials, or the time that the volatilematerials are emitted during an overlapping time period. For example, inone non-limiting embodiment, if the device is provided with thecapability of emitting each volatile material during a period greaterthan 15 minutes and less than or equal to 24 hours, then the device canbe provided with a control that allows the user to set the emissionperiod to 72 minutes, or to one hour, for example.

The device can be battery powered so that it need not be plugged into anelectrical outlet. The device can also be configured so that it can beboth plugged in and powered by a source of electrical current, and alsobattery powered. The device can also be provided with an adapter so thatit can be plugged into the cigarette lighter in a vehicle. In addition,the device can be provided with a remote control that allows the user tocontrol any, or all, of the emission properties of the device(including, but not limited to changing the volatile material beingemitted) without touching the device.

The device can also be sold in the form of a kit that includes thedevice and one or more containers of volatile compositions. The deviceand/or kit can also include instructions for use that instruct the userregarding certain emission periods that may be used to produce certainresults, and/or instructions regarding where to place the device in agiven space. For example, the instructions may include instructions forsetting the device based on the size of the room, vehicle, etc. in whichthe device is placed. Such instructions may also include instructions tothe user to chose more frequent changes between the emission of scentedmaterials for greater scent awareness. Instructions may also be providedto specify how to operate the device relative to other devices. Theinstructions can be provided in any suitable form, e.g., written, audio,and/or video.

The device may comprise a microprocessor that has less component partscompared to analog circuits, and improved circuit quality from lot tolot. The microprocessor can allow the user to program and control thetemperature profile by modulation to alter performance. If desired, themicroprocessor may be connected to a user interface. This can be anysuitable type of user interface. Examples of types of user interfacesinclude, but are not limited to LCD screens and LED's. In addition, themicroprocessor enables components to allow multiple devices (such asthose located in different parts of a room, or in different rooms), tocommunicate with each other. For example, the microprocessor can enablea remote control to send digital signals via an infared beam to turnanother device “on” or “off”.

Numerous other types of devices are possible. For example, in otherembodiments, the method described herein can be carried out by two ormore dispensing devices. Such dispensing devices comprise any type ofdispensing device, including, but not limited to aerosol sprayers. FIG.11 shows one non-limiting embodiment of an arrangement of aerosolsprayers 80 and 82. The aerosol sprayers used in such a method canfunction in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the aerosolsprayers may each operate independently, such as on timers 84 so thatthey alternate the emission of the volatile materials in the mannerdesired. The dispensing devices can be powered in any suitable manner,such as by a battery 86. The dispensing devices 80 and 82 may be locatedadjacent to each other, or they may be located in different parts of thespace in which it is desired to emit the volatile materials. FIG. 12shows another non-limiting embodiment of a dispensing device 88. In FIG.12, the dispensing device 88 is a single device that comprises two (ormore) dispensers, such as aerosol sprayers 90 and 92. The device 88 mayoperate on one or more timers, or sensors 96, and can be powered by oneor more batteries, or other power sources.

In some embodiments, the devices can be configured to turn on and off inresponse to some stimulus, such as by sensors that respond to light,noise and/or motion. For example, one of the devices can be set up toturn on when it senses light, and another device can be set to turn offwhen it senses light. In another example, a microprocessor can be usedwith motion sensors to turn on the device (for example, a heater and/ora fan in the device). For example, the device can be off all the timeuntil a person moves in the vicinity of the motion sensor. The devicecan then turn on when a person walks in the vicinity of the motionsensor. Using a microprocessor provides flexibility in controlling thecharacteristics of the emission of the volatile materials. This isbecause it is possible to replace the microprocessor if it is desired tochange the emission characteristics. Replacing the microprocessoreliminates the need to modify the entire circuit.

The disclosure of all patents, patent applications (and any patentswhich issue thereon, as well as any corresponding published foreignpatent applications), and publications mentioned throughout thisdescription are hereby incorporated by reference herein. It is expresslynot admitted, however, that any of the documents incorporated byreference herein teach or disclose the present invention.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation giventhroughout this specification will include every lower numericallimitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expresslywritten herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout thisspecification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if suchhigher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Everynumerical range given throughout this specification will include everynarrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range,as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

While particular embodiments of the subject invention have beendescribed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variouschanges and modifications of the subject invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, whilethe present invention has been described in connection with certainspecific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by wayof illustration and not by way of limitation and the scope of theinvention is defined by the appended claims which should be construed asbroadly as the prior art will permit.

1. A method for emitting two or more volatile compositions, said methodcomprising providing two or more different volatile compositionscomprising at least a first volatile composition and a second volatilecomposition, wherein said first and second volatile compositions areemitted by heating the compositions and dispensing them through a wick,and further, wherein said first and second volatile compositions areemitted in a substantially continuous emission sequence in which theemission of the different volatile compositions automatically alternatesbetween the different volatile compositions in the sequence wherein insaid alternating sequence: (a) said first volatile composition isemitted for a first time period, said first time period having abeginning and an end; (b) said second volatile composition is emittedfor a second time period, said second time period having a beginning andan end, and said second time period begins at one of the followingtimes: (i) at the end of said first period; or (ii) after a period oftime comprising a gap period after the end of said first period; and (c)after the beginning of said second period, said first volatilecomposition is emitted again, and the pattern repeats; wherein saiddifferent volatile compositions are emitted during discrete emissionperiods, and said discrete emission periods are each greater than 35minutes in length and less than 120 minutes in length.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said different volatile compositions are emitted duringdiscrete emission periods, and said discrete emission periods are each45 minutes.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said different volatilecompositions are emitted during discrete emission periods, and saiddiscrete emission periods are each greater than or equal to about 1 hourin length and less than about 2 hours in length.
 4. The method of claim1 wherein said second period begins after a gap period that is less thanor equal to about 30 minutes.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein saidemission sequence is user selected.
 6. The method of claim 1 whereinsaid method provides a user interface, and said user interface providesa user with the ability to interrupt said pattern.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said method provides a user control which allows a userof the device to select a desired emission period within the range ofgreater than 35 minutes and less than 120 minutes.
 8. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said two or more volatile compositions are contained ina container having two or more compartments.
 9. The method of claim 1wherein said two or more volatile compositions are emitted from at leastone device, wherein said second period begins after a gap periodfollowing the end of said first period, and said device is provided withcontrols that allow a user to select said gap period.
 10. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said two or more volatile compositions are emitted froma single device.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said devicecomprises a plug and said plug supports said device on an electricaloutlet.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein said device further comprisesa timer for timing the emission of at least one of said volatilecompositions.
 13. A method for emitting two or more volatilecompositions, said method comprising providing two or more differentvolatile compositions comprising at least a first volatile compositionand a second volatile composition, wherein said first and secondvolatile compositions are emitted by heating the compositions anddispensing them through a wick, and further, wherein said first andsecond volatile compositions are emitted in a substantially continuousemission sequence in which the emission of the different volatilecompositions automatically alternates between the different volatilecompositions in the sequence wherein said alternating sequence is randomand wherein said different volatile compositions are emitted duringdiscrete emission periods, and said discrete emission periods are eachgreater than 35 minutes in length and less than 120 minutes in length.14. A method for emitting three volatile compositions, said methodcomprising: providing a device comprising: a plug; three differentvolatile compositions comprising a first volatile composition, a secondvolatile composition, and a third volatile composition, said threedifferent volatile compositions are separately contained in glasscontainers, said glass containers are removably joined to a portion ofsaid device, and each of said glass containers comprise a wick fordispensing said three different volatile compositions; and lights forinforming a user of said device which one of said three differentvolatile compositions are being emitted; emitting said first, second,and third volatile compositions by heating the compositions anddispensing them through a wick, and further, wherein said first, secondand third volatile compositions are emitted in a substantiallycontinuous emission sequence in which the emission of the differentvolatile compositions automatically alternates between the differentvolatile compositions in the sequence wherein said different volatilecompositions are emitted during discrete emission periods having a gapperiod of less than or equal to about 30 minutes between said discreteemission periods, and said discrete emission periods are each greaterthan 35 minutes in length and less than 120 minutes in length.
 15. Themethod of claim 14 wherein said discrete emission periods are each 45minutes.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein said discrete emissionperiods are each greater than or equal to about 1 hour in length andless than about 2 hours in length.
 17. The method of claim 14 whereinone of said first, second, and third volatile compositions is emittedfor a first time period having a beginning and end, and wherein one ofsaid first, second and third volatile compositions is emitted for asecond time period having a beginning and end, said second time periodbeginning before the end of said first time period and said first timeperiod ending during said second time period.
 18. A method for emittingtwo or more volatile compositions, said method comprising providing twoor more different volatile compositions comprising at least a firstvolatile composition and a second volatile composition, wherein saidfirst and second volatile compositions are emitted by heating thecompositions and dispensing them through a wick, and further, whereinsaid first and second volatile compositions are emitted in asubstantially continuous emission sequence in which the emission of thedifferent volatile compositions automatically alternates between thedifferent volatile compositions in the sequence wherein in saidalternating sequence: (a) said first volatile composition is emitted fora first time period, said first time period having a beginning and anend; (b) said second volatile composition is emitted for a second timeperiod, said second time period having a beginning and an end, and saidsecond time period begins before the end of said first time period,wherein said first time period ends during said second period; and (c)after the beginning of said second time period, said first volatilecomposition is emitted again, and the pattern repeats; wherein saiddifferent volatile compositions are emitted during discrete emissionperiods, and said discrete emission periods are each greater than 35minutes in length and less than 120 minutes in length.
 19. A method foremitting two volatile compositions, said method comprising: providing adevice comprising: a plug; two different volatile compositionscomprising a first volatile composition and a second volatilecomposition, said two different volatile composition are separatelycontained in glass containers, said glass containers are removablyjoined to a portion of said device, and each of said glass containerscomprise a wick for dispensing said two different volatile compositions;and lights for informing a user of said device which one of said twodifferent volatile compositions are being emitted; emitting said firstand second volatile compositions by heating the compositions anddispensing them through said wick, and further, wherein said first andsecond volatile compositions are emitted in a substantially continuousemission sequence in which the emission of the different volatilecompositions automatically alternates between the different volatilecompositions in the sequence wherein said different volatilecompositions are emitted during discrete emission periods having a gapperiod of less than 30 minutes between said discrete emission periods,and said discrete emission periods are each greater than 35 minutes inlength and less than 120 minutes in length.
 20. The method of claim 19wherein said discrete emission periods are each greater than or equal toabout 1 hour in length and less than about 2 hours in length.
 21. Amethod for emitting two or more volatile compositions, said methodcomprising providing two or more different volatile compositions,comprising at least a first volatile composition and a second volatilecompositions, wherein said first and second volatile compositions areemitted by heating said first and second volatile compositions anddispensing said first and second volatile compositions through a wickand by diffusing said first and second volatile compositions by a fan,and wherein said first and second volatile compositions are emitted in asubstantially continuous emission sequence in which the emission of thedifferent volatile compositions automatically alternates between thedifferent volatile compositions in the sequence wherein in saidalternating sequence: (a) said first volatile composition is emitted fora first time period, said first time period having a beginning and anend; (b) said second volatile composition is emitted for a second timeperiod, said second time period having a beginning and an end, and saidsecond time period begins at one of the following times: (i) at the endof said first period; or (ii) after a period of time comprising a gapperiod after the end of said first period; and (c) after the beginningof said second period, said first volatile composition is emitted again,and the pattern repeats; wherein said different volatile compositionsare emitted during discrete emission periods, and said discrete emissionperiods are each greater than 35 minutes in length and less than 120minutes in length.